Water release valve for pool safety cover

ABSTRACT

A water release valve is disclosed for a pool safety cover on a swimming pool. An example water release valve includes an upper valve body and a lower valve body. The lower valve body is attached to the upper valve body through an opening formed in the pool safety cover. A valve actuator is configured to automatically open to release at least some water on top of the pool safety cover into the swimming pool to reduce water accumulation on top of the pool safety cover. In an example, the valve actuator automatically opens under the weight of the water on top of the pool safety cover. In an example, more than one water release valve may be provided at various locations on the pool safety cover.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority filing benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/265,523 filed Dec. 16, 2021 for “Water Release Valve For Pool Safety Cover” of Tecu, et al., hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Covers may be installed on pools during the off season to reduce maintenance, and even during the swim season to increase safety by reducing or preventing people, and especially small children, from falling into the pool when it is unattended.

When it rains or snows, water accumulates on the surface of the cover. This water can tear the cover, or grow algae and then be dumped into the pool when the cover is removed. As such, a pump is typically used to remove water accumulation on the surface of the cover. Pumps also require someone to set the pump and move it around the cover to ensure the water has been removed. But in cases of heavy rain or snow, the cover may be damaged before the attendant is able to pump the water off. Pumping is also an additional maintenance requirement for pool owners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows water accumulation on a pool safety cover.

FIG. 2 shows example water release valves installed on a pool safety cover.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the example water release valve.

FIG. 4 illustrates installation of the example water release valve.

FIG. 5 is a high level illustration showing the operation of the example water release valve.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the example water release valve installed on a pool safety cover illustrating operations to release water from the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A water release valve is disclosed as it may be utilized in an example on a pool safety cover. Pool safety covers are often automated, driven by motors and riding along tracks mounted to the top of the pool edge surface and underneath the decking. The pool cover material is typically made of heavy-duty vinyl fabric. When the cover is closed (when the pool is not in use) the cover has 3 important properties. First, the cover serves as a barrier to human/animal entry. Second, the cover aids with pool water heat retention. Third, the cover is a barrier to debris and rain water and snow melt. But the weight of this water accumulation on top of the pool safety cover can damage the cover material or pull it out of its tracks if the water is not removed.

FIG. 1 shows water accumulation 1 on a pool safety cover 2. Rain or melting snow causes water 1 to accumulate on the surface of the pool cover 2. This water can tear the pool cover 2. Leaving the water 1 on the pool cover 2 for too long allows algae to grow or otherwise become dirty or contaminated. This water 1 is often dumped into the pool 3 as the pool cover 2 is removed, causing additional cleanup to be necessary. As such, a pump 4 is typically used to remove water accumulation on the surface of the pool cover 2 before the cover can be removed. But the owner may forget to use the pump 4, or electric power 5 to the pump 4 can be lost. The pump 4 can also be an eyesore and a hose 6 needs to be routed to a suitable location to dispense the water being pumped off the pool cover 2.

FIG. 2 shows example water release valves 10 installed on a pool safety cover 2. One or more water release valves 10 may be positioned on the pool safety cover 2, typically down the centerline, which becomes the lowest point of the surface of the pool safety cover 2 as water accumulates on the pool safety cover 2. However, any number of water release valve(s) 10 may be positioned at any suitable location(s) on the pool safety cover 2.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one of the example water release valves 10 shown in FIG. 2 . In an example, the water release valve 10 includes an upper valve body 12 and a lower valve body 14. The lower valve body 14 is attached to the upper valve body 12 through an opening formed in the pool safety cover 2. The opening may be pre-formed during manufacture of the pool safety cover 2, or may be cut out (e.g., on-site during installation).

A valve actuator 16 having a door 18. The door 18 may be attached to the upper valve body 12 or the lower valve body 14, e.g., via one or more hinge 20. In an example, the hinge 20 may be located nearest to the safety cover roll-up mechanism to automatically force the valves 10 shut when the pool safety cover 2 is opened. This enables the valve 10 to roll into the pool safety cover 2 and automatically close the door 18 without obstructing the rolling action of the pool safety cover 2.

The door 18 is configured to automatically open to release at least some water on top of the pool safety cover 2 into the swimming pool 3 to reduce water accumulation on top of the pool safety cover 2. In an example, the valve actuator 16 automatically opens under the weight of the water on top of the pool safety cover 2. The valve actuator 16 automatically closes (e.g., under operation of a spring 21 on the pin of hinge 20 or separate spring or other biasing mechanism) after the water has flowed through the opening and off of the surface of the pool safety cover 2.

By default, the water release valve 10 remains substantially closed, so as to help prevent dirt and debris from entering through the opening in the pool safety cover 2 and into the pool water. The upper and lower valve bodies 12 and 15 also create a seal in the pool safety cover 2 to retain heat in the pool water under the pool safety cover 2.

When water accumulates on the pool safety cover 2, the weight of the water on the valve actuator 16 causes the door 18 to open, thereby releasing water accumulated on the surface of the pool safety cover 2 to flow down into the pool 3. As the water is released into the pool 3 before being allowed to over accumulate on the pool cover (and thus become dirty and/or result in algal growth), the water is relatively clean and does not contaminate the pool water. In addition, the door 18 may be configured so as to let smaller amounts of water through the opening without the debris. A screen may also be provided to prevent debris from being washed into the pool 3.

The water release valve 10 disclosed herein automatically removes water from the cover, without the pool owner having to perform any steps after closing the pool safety cover 2. Water removal from the pool safety cover 2 does not require any external power source or other effort from the pool owner. The water release valve 10 is not an eyesore like a pump.

Although described herein as the water release valve 10 may be provided for a pool safety cover, it is understood that the water release valve 10 is not limited to any particular end-use. Other applications will also be readily apparent to those having skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein, for example on any type of cover on which water or other liquids may accumulate and need to be automatically removed (fish ponds, fountains, retaining ponds, etc.).

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

It is also noted that the examples described herein are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein.

The operations shown and described herein are provided to illustrate example implementations. It is noted that the operations are not limited to the ordering shown. Still other operations may also be implemented.

FIG. 4 illustrates installation of the example water release valve 10 for a pool safety cover 2 on a swimming pool 3. The water release valve 10 is shown as it may include an upper valve body 12 and a lower valve body 14. The lower valve body 14 may be attached to the upper valve body 12 through an opening 7 formed in the pool safety cover 2. A valve actuator or door 18 is configured to automatically open to release at least some water on top of the pool safety cover 2 into the swimming pool to reduce water accumulation on top of the pool safety cover 2.

It is noted that more than one valve actuator or door 18 may be provided, e.g., on opposite ends of the upper and lower valve body 12, 14. In an example, the valve actuator or door 18 automatically opens. In an example, the valve actuator or door 18 may open via a motor (not shown). However, the valve actuator or door 18 is shown in the drawings as it may open automatically under the weight of accumulating water on top of the pool safety cover 2. For example, the valve actuator may include a hinge 20 or other mechanism to pivotably or rotatably attach the door 18 to the upper or lower valve body 12, 14.

It is noted that the door 18 may be attached to the upper valve body 12 or to the lower valve body 14. In an example, the bias mechanism maintains the valve actuator in a closed state as a default condition. The bias mechanism may be one or more springs (e.g., hinge spring 21). The spring(s) may be part of the hinge 20 and/or attached separately to the door 18 and/or upper and lower valve body 12, 14. Other bias mechanisms (gas filled pistons, an electric motor, etc.) are also contemplated, as will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

In an example, a screen 22 may be provided to reduce debris entering the swimming pool 3 through the pool safety cover 2 when the valve actuator automatically opens to release the water on top of the pool safety cover 2 into the swimming pool 3. The screen 22 may be provided to cover the opening 7 formed in the pool safety cover 2. For example, the screen 22 may be laid over the opening in the pool safety cover 2 such that the screen 22 overlaps the perimeter of the opening 7, and then the upper and lower valve bodies 12, 14 connected to one another to secure the screen 22 therebetween. Adhesive may also be applied to secure the screen 22 to the pool safety cover 2.

In an example, the upper valve body 12 is mechanically connected to the lower valve body 14. For example, the upper valve body 12 may be connected to the lower valve body 14 with screws 24 or other mechanical fasteners (e.g., peg-and-hole, snaps, etc.) via through-holes 26, 28 formed in the upper and lower valve bodies 12, 14. In another example, the upper and lower valve bodies 12, 14 may be connected with adhesive to the pool safety cover 2 and/or the opposing valve body. Other connection mechanisms (e.g., latches) are also contemplated, as will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

FIG. 5 is a high level illustration showing the operation of the example water release valve 10. In this illustration, the door 18 is rotatably mounted via hinge 20 to the lower valve body 12. It is noted that the door 18 may be provided on either the upper or lower valve body 12, 14 so that the door opens in a downward direction to dispense water into the swimming pool 3. However, the direction that the door 18 opens is not limited. For example, the door 18 may open upward or slide sideways, e.g., via a motorized mechanism. In an example, the valve actuator remains in a closed state by default. The valve actuator may open under the weight of water accumulating on the valve actuator.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the example water release valve 10 illustrating operations to release water 8 accumulating on the pool safety cover 2 into the pool water 9. In this illustration, the water 8 is shown as it may flow down into the pool water 9 through the opening formed in the pool safety cover 2 when the door 18 opens. In an example, a spring mechanism biases the hinged door 18 in a closed state in a default condition. The hinged valve actuator automatically opens in an operating condition, under the weight of water 8 accumulating on the upper surface of the pool safety cover 2. After the water 8 passes through the opening, the force (illustrated by arrow 30) returns the door 18 to a closed position.

In an example, the opening 7 may be sized sufficiently large so as to quickly remove water before it accumulates on the pool safety cover 2, even during heavy rain/snow, while still being small enough so as not to detract from the safety features of the pool safety cover 2 (e.g., preventing people or animals from falling into the pool). In an example, more and smaller openings may be provided (e.g., 4×4 inches or less). The specific size, shape, and position of the opening(s) 7 may be based on design considerations and/or regulations for pool safety covers 2.

In an example, a seal may be provided on the hinged valve actuator and/or the mating surface of the valve body to reduce heat loss and/or evaporation from the pool water. The seal may include at least in part a spring mechanism that sufficiently closes the valve actuator, magnetic seals, and gaskets. The seals may be selected so as to provide a sealing function, while also having a sufficiently low breaking force to allow the water weight to open the valve and release water into the pool so that it does not accumulate on the pool cover.

In an example, a screen 22 or other filter material may be provided over the opening 7 in the valve body to help keep large debris (e.g., leaves on the cover) from falling into the pool when the valve opens, but still allow the water 11 to run through into the pool water 9.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated. 

1. A water release valve for a pool safety cover on a swimming pool, comprising: an upper valve body; a lower valve body, the lower valve body attached to the upper valve body through an opening formed in the pool safety cover; and a valve actuator configured to automatically open to release at least some water on top of the pool safety cover into the swimming pool to reduce water accumulation on top of the pool safety cover.
 2. The water release valve of claim 1, wherein the valve actuator automatically opens under weight of accumulating water on top of the pool safety cover.
 3. The water release valve of claim 1, further comprising a hinge to rotatably attach the valve actuator to the upper valve body.
 4. The water release valve of claim 1, further comprising a hinge to rotatably attach the valve actuator to the lower valve body.
 5. The water release valve of claim 4, wherein the hinge is located on a side nearest to the pool safety cover roll-up side to automatically close the valve actuator when the pool safety cover is opened and the valve actuator to roll into the pool safety cover without the valve actuator obstructing the rolling action.
 6. The water release valve of claim 1, further comprising a bias mechanism to bias the valve actuator in a closed state as a default condition.
 7. The water release valve of claim 6, wherein the bias mechanism is a spring.
 8. The water release valve of claim 1, further comprising a screen covering the opening formed in the pool safety cover to reduce debris entering the swimming pool through the cover when the valve actuator automatically opens to release the water on top of the pool safety cover into the swimming pool.
 9. The water release valve of claim 1, wherein the upper valve body is mechanically connected to the lower valve body.
 10. The water release valve of claim 1, wherein the upper valve body is connected to the lower valve body with screws.
 11. The water release valve of claim 1, wherein the upper valve body is connected to the lower valve body with adhesive.
 12. The water release valve of claim 1, further comprising a seal on the valve actuator, the seal configured to reduce heat loss and evaporation from the pool water.
 13. The water release valve of claim 12, wherein the seal includes at least one of a magnetic seal, and a gasket, the seal selected so as to provide a sealing function while also having a sufficiently low breaking force to allow the valve actuator to open under weight of the accumulating water to open and release water into the swimming pool.
 14. A water release valve system comprising: a plurality of water release valves installed on a pool safety cover for a swimming pool, each water release valve having: an upper valve body; a lower valve body, the lower valve body attached to the upper valve body through an opening formed in the pool safety cover; and a valve actuator configured to automatically open to release at least some water on top of the pool safety cover into the swimming pool to reduce water accumulation on top of the pool safety cover.
 15. The water release valve of claim 14, wherein the valve actuator automatically opens under weight of accumulating water on top of the pool safety cover.
 16. The water release valve of claim 14, further comprising a hinge to rotatably attach the valve actuator.
 17. The water release valve of claim 14, further comprising a spring mechanism to bias the valve actuator in a closed state as a default condition.
 18. The water release valve of claim 14, further comprising a screen covering the opening formed in the pool safety cover to reduce debris entering the swimming pool through the cover when the valve actuator automatically opens to release the water on top of the pool safety cover into the swimming pool.
 19. The water release valve of claim 14, wherein the upper valve body is mechanically connected to the lower valve body with screws.
 20. The water release valve of claim 14, wherein the upper valve body is connected to the lower valve body with adhesive. 